The Archdeacon of Cheltenham, Phil Andrew, has announced that he will be resigning from his post at the end of the year to begin what he describes as a ‘new chapter in the adventure of life and faith’.
Archdeacon Phil said of his decision: “For the past year couple of years, I have had a growing sense that my calling to serve God in this current role might be coming to a conclusion. This was clarified during my sabbatical earlier this year when I had the enormous privilege of spending some time travelling, praying and reflecting together with my wife, Sue, who retired from her role as a GP in Winchcombe last year. Together we have discerned that God has something new in store for us both, although at this stage we are not clear quite what it will look like. We plan to move back to the South East, closer to most of our family, at the end of this year to begin a new chapter, whatever it might hold!
“I am enormously grateful for all the opportunities and encouragement I have received over these past 7 ½ years from so many people and places, not least Bishop Rachel, Bishop Robert and Archdeacon Hilary who have been enormously supportive and encouraging as Sue and I have been wrestling with this decision.”
In responding to the news Bishop Rachel said. “I will be very sad to say farewell to Archdeacon Phil at the end of this year – he and all that he has brought to the life of this diocese will be greatly missed. Yet, I am also delighted that he and Sue are shaping a good new chapter for themselves, and they are much in my prayers as their adventure unfolds.”
More details regarding a leaving service for Archdeacon Phil will be coming soon.
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I will miss your sermons. They have always been inspiring, whenever I heard them You will both be in my prayers. Lovely you will both be together as you seek God’s will.
With my best wishes, and prayers, @Wendy Roberts